Perdue Foods, LLC.: Non-Compliance to Poultry Good Commercial Practices in 2022 (USDA)

381.65(b)

On Tuesday (August 30th, 2022) morning, at approximately 3:10 am, I observed multiple “red birds” entering the evisceration department.  These red birds displayed a cherry red appearance of the entire carcass, no cut on the neck, and a swollen/engorged head which was cherry red/purple in color.  This observation prompted me to perform a directed Good Commercial Practice (GCP) task.                In the picking room, I positioned myself to observe birds after the last picker for picking line #2.  In a span of 3 minutes, I observed 11 red birds all displaying the same appearance of the “red birds” seen previously in the evisceration department.  Shortly after this observation I summoned Mr. REDACTED (Receiving/Live Hang Supervisor) to the area; he stood beside me at the scalder entrance.  In his presence, a total of 13 live birds made it to the scalder entrance and would have drowned in the scald tank if I did not intervene; Mr. REDACTED successfully removed some of the live birds before being submerged.  All live birds were observed with a bent neck, eyes wide open, appeared aware of its surroundings, and a few were vocal.  During my observations, only 1 back-up killer was in place for both picking lines.                   Agency regulation requires that poultry be handled in a manner that is consistent with Good Commercial Practice (GCP), and that they do not die from causes other than slaughter.  It is the establishment’s responsibility to ensure that the birds are slaughtered in accordance with 9 CFR 381.56 “Poultry must be slaughtered in accordance with good commercial practices in a manner that will result in thorough bleeding of the carcass and ensure that breathing has stopped prior to scalding.”